Battery with a voltage regulation device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a battery ( 100 ) which includes a voltage regulation device ( 110 ) for regulating the output voltage of the battery. The voltage regulation device ( 110 ) may be configured to provide an output voltage which is greater than, less than or equal to an internal power source ( 114 ). The voltage regulation device may also be configured to regulate an input voltage for charging the internal power source ( 114 ). A switch is provided to switch the voltage regulation device ( 110 ) between operating modes in order to reduce the self-discharge rate of the battery, or to protect the internal power source ( 114 ) from damage.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a battery comprising a voltage regulation device adapted to provide at least a regulated output voltage.

BACKGROUND ART

Batteries are needed and used by almost every household worldwide. It is believed that a total of 350 AA and 150 AAA are batteries are purchased every second of every day. The main types of household batteries available are Alkaline, Lithium, Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel-cadmium (NiCD) batteries. There are primary batteries which are non-rechargeable and secondary batteries which are re-chargeable using different forms of power sources.

Alkaline Primary (Non-Rechargeable)

Alkaline batteries are a type of ‘primary batteries’ dependent upon the reaction between zinc and manganese dioxide (Zn/MnO₂).

Alkaline batteries are relatively low cost and have long shelf life. Furthermore, they are good in low power devices such as wall clocks and TV remote controls. However, these types of batteries are non-rechargeable/single use batteries that need to be disposed more frequently and therefore can be hazardous to the environment in terms of pollution. Additionally, these types of batteries are not very effective in high power devices. All non-rechargeable/single use alkaline batteries drop their output voltage when under load and hence products/devices such as flashlights/torches and cameras lose performance very quickly.

Lithium Primary (Non-Rechargeable)

Lithium primary batteries are non-reusable batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode.

These types of batteries are particularly useful for high current devices. However, similar to alkaline batteries, these batteries are also non rechargeable/single use batteries that need to be disposed more frequently and therefore can be hazardous to the environment in terms of pollution. Furthermore, in terms of costs, these types of batteries are relatively expensive for a non-rechargeable/single use battery.

NiMH/NiCd Secondary (Rechargeable)

A nickel-metal hydride battery, abbreviated NiMH or Ni-MH, is a type of rechargeable battery using hydrogen as the active element at a hydrogen-absorbing negative electrode (anode). Similarly, a nickel-cadmium battery (NiCd battery or NiCad battery) is a type of rechargeable battery using nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium as electrodes.

These types of batteries are rechargeable and hence can be used again and again thereby saving money after multiple uses. However, these types of batteries have a lower output voltage (1.2V) than non-rechargeable/single use batteries and therefore are not suitable for all types of products/devices. Furthermore, some of the known batteries have relatively high self-discharge rates. These types of regular rechargeable batteries also drop their output voltage when under load. Even though, different brands of batteries have different output voltage reductions, overall devices/products such as torches and cameras lose performance relatively quickly regardless of what type or brand of battery is used.

There are some rechargeable batteries available on the market each having a built-in voltage regulator that do not allow the output voltage to drop under load and allow a constant 1.5 V output. Although, this may seem advantageous, it can burn out many LED and incandescent torches as the bulbs are generally manufactured with assumption that the voltage will drop under current load. Furthermore, these kind of rechargeable batteries require special/customized chargers.

There are also batteries available on the market which comprise a voltage level indicator. These indicators typically use a conductive strip under a clear section of the label, which is powered when one or both ends are pressed.

With regular batteries (Alkaline 1.5V disposable, Lithium 1.5V primary and NiMH 1.2V rechargeable), under load the voltage drops slightly even when the batteries are new and fully charged. Some electronics is designed with this in mind such as many flashlights where the bulbs are not rated at 1.5V but are rated at a slightly lower voltage, for example 1.4V.

A fixed 1.5V output will in some cases damage the electronics. Some electronic devices are built with the assumption that regular 1.5V disposable (Primary) batteries or 1.2V rechargeable (Secondary) batteries will be used. These batteries very quickly drop in output voltage under load.

For example, flashlight bulbs, both LED and incandescent, are not generally manufactured to be able to operate at a full 1.5V Direct Current (DC) (or multiple of 1.5V if multiple batteries are used) but rather between 1.2V and 1.4V. Use of fixed 1.5V DC batteries will burn out some flashlight bulbs.

There are major technical difficulties in designing the electronics to provide an intelligent regulated output voltage and also to sense the connection to a battery charger and regulate the input voltage to allow the internal cell (power source) to charge. It is not generally known or easy to have electronics within the battery. Also, it is not generally known or easy to regulate the voltage output in battery or to include a circuit within a battery. Since batteries are functionally limited by size and shape to work in devices, it can often be difficult fitting additional electronic components within a battery without changing the size and shape of the battery while also providing a battery with a high power capacity, i.e. not reducing the size of the power source within the battery. It can often be difficult to add electronics to a battery whilst reducing the risk of electronics draining the battery power. Also, it is generally unknown to control charging of the battery to allow recharging using multiple recharging devices without requiring additional removable or movable components or specific adaptors/connectors for recharging the battery. There can also be technical difficulties in optimizing and miniaturizing the electronics so that it would fit in a smaller battery (such as AA and AAA battery) without taking up too much space—the more space the electronics take up, the less space there is for the power source (such as Li-ion cell) and therefore the lower the battery capacity.

There is a significant challenge in adding electronics to a battery while keeping the self-discharge of the battery low. The self-discharge rate of a battery determines how much capacity remains after it has been sitting for a period of time since its last charge (or, in the case of primary cells, since manufacture).

Secondary (rechargeable) cells often have a much higher self-discharge rate than primary (non-rechargeable cells). In the case of rechargeable batteries, the self-discharge can be mitigated by having the user charge the battery before use. In the case of primary (non-rechargeable) cells the capacity which has been lost to self-discharge cannot be recovered.

Furthermore, in the case of secondary cells such as lithium-ion there are safety and lifetime considerations associated with the storage capacity of the cells. Frequently these cells are shipped at around 30%-50% of their full charge capacity, therefore a high self-discharge rate could render the battery completely flat by the time it reaches a customer. Storing batteries such as Li-ion when flat and/or discharging below the recommended cut-off voltage can damage the cell resulting in a reduced full charge capacity.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,314,590 and 7,633,261 B2 both disclose batteries with fixed voltage outputs. However, they do not disclose any battery that provide or could provide intelligent variable output.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,590 discloses a battery that requires charging using a USB connection. Similarly, CN201174405 discloses a battery that requires a special proprietary battery charger. Furthermore, those documents do not disclose a battery that could provide intelligent variable output.

There is a need for a battery that works by regulating a power source (such as a 3.7 V internal Li-ion cell) with micro-electronics to provide a suitable voltage output so that the user's devices/products using the battery will have a continuous high performance (and in case of a rechargeable battery, a continuous high performance until the battery needs a recharge). Also, as mentioned above, if the output voltage of the battery is not regulated but is set to a constant 1.5V, products/devices such as torches can burn out and therefore there is also a need for a battery that allows the output voltage to be regulated between a certain range, most preferably between 1.25V and 1.5V, so that the chance of products/devices such as torches being burnt out is eliminated or at least reduced. Furthermore, in one option, there is a need for a battery that has electronics that regulate the input charge voltage so that the battery can be charged using existing NiMH/NiCd battery chargers.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved battery which will obviate or minimize some or all of the foregoing disadvantages in a simple yet effective manner or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

PRIOR REFERENCES

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications may be referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Definitions

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or ‘comprising’ is used in relation to the apparatus and/or one or more steps in a method or process.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, the term “battery” refers to a container or product comprising an internal chemical energy power source. For example, the container or product may be in AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, lantern batteries or any other size and format.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, the term “power source” refers to a source of power for a battery comprising one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity. For example, Li-ion cell, NiMH cell, NiCd cell, ZN/MNO₂ cell, Lithium Polymer (LiPo), lead acid or other such chemical power sources. The power source may optionally be rechargeable.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, the term “Li-ion cell” is intended to mean internal Lithium ion (Li-ion) cell that is one exemplary form of a power source for the battery.

The terms “low-power”, “ultra-low power”, “ultra-low current” etc. are terms commonly used in the art of electronic engineering. For the purposes of this specification, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, use of the terms low-power/current, ultra-low power/current or the like, when used in relation to a circuit or component, should be taken to mean a component or circuit selected with the purpose of reducing the power consumption and/or current draw compared to other components that may be used. It is appreciated that the current/power draw is not the only deciding factor when choosing a component or designing a circuit. Therefore, a component or circuit described as “ultra-low” power/current does not need to be the lowest power/current (or whatever the case may be) component or circuit available.

The terms internal cell voltage, power source voltage or power source output voltage should be taken to mean the voltage across the terminals of the power source which connect to the voltage regulation device in certain embodiments of the technology. It is appreciated that a power source can comprise multiple cells, such as two Li-ion cells connected in series, however unless specifically stated otherwise, the internal cell voltage, power source voltage, or power source output voltage refers to the voltage as seen by the voltage regulation device, and not the voltage of the individual cells which the power source may comprise.

The term “switch” should be interpreted in a broad sense which encompasses any device used to switch between operating modes of the voltage regulation device. For example, the switch may comprise physical activation means such as switches, buttons, reed switches, insulating tape or similar. Alternatively, the switch may consist of electronic components such as transistors, comparators etc, or be a combination of mechanical and electronic means, such as the use of latching components as known to those skilled in the art in conjunction with a physical activation means.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention resides in a battery comprising:

-   -   a positive terminal;     -   a negative terminal;     -   a power source; and     -   a voltage regulation device that is operatively connected to the         positive terminal, the negative terminal and the power source,         the voltage regulation device comprising a switch configured to         select between operating modes of the voltage regulation device,         wherein the voltage regulation device is configured to regulate         an output voltage to a programmed variable level.

Preferably, the switch comprises electronic components.

Preferably, the switch is configured to select between a low-power operating mode and an active operating mode of the voltage regulation device.

Preferably, the switch is configured to draw a low current. For example the low current may be a substantially negligible current draw relative to the stored energy of the battery.

Preferably, the switch comprises a comparator circuit. More preferably, the comparator circuit is configured to draw an ultra-low quiescent current.

Preferably, the switch is configured to detect the connection of a charger to the battery and to switch between the low-power operating mode and the active operating mode accordingly.

Preferably, the switch is configured to monitor a power source voltage and is configured to set the voltage regulation device to the low-power operating mode while the power source voltage is above a first predetermined threshold.

Preferably the first predetermined voltage threshold is in the range of 1.2V to 1.4V, more preferably the first predetermined voltage threshold is substantially 1.3V.

Preferably, the switch is configured to monitor a power source voltage and is configured to set the voltage regulation device to the active operating mode while the power source voltage is below a second predetermined threshold.

Preferably the second predetermined voltage threshold is in the range of 1.2V to 1.4V, more preferably the first predetermined voltage threshold is substantially 1.3V.

Preferably while in the low-power operating mode the voltage regulation device does not actively regulate the output voltage.

Preferably, the battery is a rechargeable battery with a rechargeable power source.

Preferably, wherein the power source is a Li-ion cell.

Preferably, the Li-ion cell is between 2.8 to 4.2 volts.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a programmable controller that is operatively connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal, the power source and to one or more of the other electronic components of the voltage regulation device to send and receive input and output signals and thereby to sense and regulate an output voltage in the programmed variable level.

Preferably the programmable controller is powered down while the voltage regulation device is in the low-power operating mode.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one regulator, the at least one regulator being operatively connected to the programmable controller and is adapted to be activated by the programmable controller at a preset battery output level in order to regulate the output voltage.

Preferably, the power source is rechargeable and the voltage regulation device comprises at least one voltage sensor configured to determine an input voltage that charges the power source, the at least one voltage sensor being operatively connected to the programmable controller, the programmable controller being adapted to receive at least one input signal from the at least one voltage sensor to regulate the input voltage.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one voltage sensor configured to determine a voltage level information of the power source and feed the voltage level information to the programmable controller.

Preferably, the programmable controller is programmed to provide a lower output voltage if the power source voltage has dropped to a pre-determined level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one current sensor configured to determine an output current in a power source, the at least one current sensor being operatively connected to the programmable controller, the programmable controller being adapted to receive at least one input signal from the at least one current sensor and regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one current sensor adapted to detect a connection to a battery charger, the at least one current sensor being operatively connected to the programmable controller.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one current sensor that is operatively connected to the programmable controller, the at least one current sensor is adapted to detect two or more of the following:

-   -   i) a current being drained by a user's product/device during         use;     -   ii) a current being used in the rechargeable power source during         discharge;     -   iii) a current being drained from the power source; and     -   iv) a current being charged to the power source, if the power         source is rechargeable.

Preferably, the power source is rechargeable and the voltage regulation device comprises at least one charger sensor that is adapted to determine a connection to a battery charger by detecting a voltage from the battery charger, the at least one charge sensor being operatively connected to the programmable controller.

Preferably, the power source is rechargeable and the voltage regulation device comprises at least one charger sensor that is adapted to detect a voltage of a battery charger as a voltage level information and feed the voltage level information to the programmable controller in order to regulate the detected voltage of the battery charger for charging the power source.

Preferably, the power source is rechargeable and the voltage regulation device comprises at least one charger sensor that is adapted to detect a voltage level information from a battery charger and feed the voltage level information to a programmable controller in order to regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

Preferably, the power source is rechargeable and the voltage regulation device comprises a voltage boost regulator that is operatively connected to the programmable controller, the programmable controller being adapted to receive at least one input signal from the voltage boost regulator to allow the voltage boost regulator to increase a voltage supplied from a battery charger to a higher voltage to charge the power source.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a voltage buck regulator that is operatively connected to the programmable controller, the programmable controller being adapted to receive at least one input signal from the voltage buck regulator to allow the voltage buck regulator to convert a voltage supplied by the power source to the output voltage of the battery.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a voltage boost regulator that is operatively connected to the programmable controller, the programmable controller being adapted to receive at least one input signal from the voltage boost regulator to allow the voltage boost regulator to convert a voltage supplied by the power source to the output voltage of the battery.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned buck and boost regulators are provided by way of example only, for instance the voltage regulation device may contain a buck-boost regulator, voltage multiplier, transformer based regulator, Cuk converter, SEPIC converter or any other type of converter known to those skilled in the art.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a noise suppression circuit that is operatively connected to the programmable controller.

Preferably, the battery includes a voltage level indicator for providing an indication of the voltage level of the power source.

Preferably, the programmable controller is programmed to monitor the current and/or voltage level of the power source based on the input and output signals, and the programmable controller is operatively connected to the voltage level indicator in order provide an indication when the battery approaches the end of a discharge.

Preferably, the battery comprises a housing that is adapted to house at least the power source and the voltage regulation device.

Preferably, the battery is an AA battery or an AAA battery.

Preferably, the regulated output voltage is in a range between 1.2V and 1.5V.

Preferably, the regulated output voltage is in a range between 1.25V and 1.5V.

In a second aspect, the invention resides in a voltage regulation device for regulating at least an output voltage of a battery at a programmed variable level, the voltage regulation device comprising:

-   -   a switch configured to select between operating modes of the         voltage regulation device;     -   a current sensing circuit that is adapted to sense the output         current in a power source of the battery; and     -   a programmable controller adapted to receive at least one input         signal from the current sensing circuit and regulate the output         voltage according to the output current at a programmed variable         level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is configured for use as part of a primary (non-rechargeable) and/or a secondary (rechargeable) battery.

Preferably, the operating modes of the voltage regulation device comprise a low power mode and an active mode.

Preferably, the switch comprises electronic components.

Preferably, the switch is configured to select between a low-power operating mode and an active operating mode of the voltage regulation device.

Preferably, the switch comprises a comparator circuit. More preferably, the comparator circuit is configured to draw an “ultra-low” quiescent current.

Preferably, the switch is configured to detect the connection of a charger to the battery and to switch between the low-power operating mode and the active operating mode accordingly.

Preferably, the switch is configured to monitor a power source voltage and is configured to set the voltage regulation device to the low-power operating mode while the power source voltage is above a first predetermined threshold.

Preferably the first predetermined voltage threshold is substantially 1.3V.

Preferably, the switch is configured to monitor a power source voltage and is configured to set the voltage regulation device to the active operating mode while the power source voltage is below a second predetermined threshold.

Preferably the second predetermined voltage threshold is substantially 1.3V.

Preferably while in the low-power operating mode the voltage regulation device does not actively regulate the output voltage.

Preferably, the power source is rechargeable and the voltage regulation device comprises at least one charger sensor that is adapted to determine a connection to a battery charger by detecting a voltage from the battery charger, the at least one charge sensor being operatively connected to the programmable controller.

Preferably, the voltage regulation circuit comprises a charge circuit operatively connected to the programmable controller, the programmable controller being adapted to receive at least one input signal from the charge circuit to cause the charge circuit to increase a voltage supplied from a battery charger to a higher voltage to charge the power source.

Preferably the charge circuit comprises a boost regulator. Preferably the boost regulator, is inactive in the low-power operation mode.

Preferably, the programmable controller is configured to enable or disable the charge circuit depending on the power source it is connected to.

Preferably, when the charge circuit is disabled it prevents current from an external charger from charging the power source.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one regulator, the at least one regulator being operatively connected to the programmable controller and is adapted to be activated by the programmable controller at a preset battery output level in order to regulate the output voltage.

Preferably, the at least one regulator is configured to transfer power source voltage directly to the output terminals while the voltage regulation device is in the low-power mode.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one voltage sensor configured to determine an input voltage that charges the power source, the at least one voltage sensor being operatively connected to the programmable controller, the programmable controller being adapted to receive at least one input signal from the at least one voltage sensor to regulate the input voltage.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one voltage sensor configured to determine a voltage level information of the power source and feed the voltage level information to the programmable controller.

Preferably, the programmable controller is programmed to control the voltage regulation device in order to provide a higher output voltage if the power source voltage is below a first pre-determined level.

Preferably, the programmable controller is programmed to control the voltage regulation device to provide a lower output voltage if the power source voltage is above a second pre-determined level.

Preferably, the programmable controller is programmed to control the voltage regulation device to provide a lower output voltage if the power source voltage drops below a third pre-determined level.

Preferably, the programmable controller is programmed to control the voltage regulation device to disconnect the power source from the terminals of the battery if the power source voltage drops below a fourth pre-determined level.

It will be appreciated that the fourth pre-determined level may be dependent on the chemistry of the internal power source. For example the fourth pre-determined level may be 2.5V-3V for a Li-Ion cell or 1V-0.9V for a NiMH cell.

Preferably, the current sensing circuit is adapted to provide a connection to a battery charger, the at least one current sensor being operatively connected to the programmable controller.

Preferably, the current sensing circuit is adapted to detect at least two of the following:

-   -   i) a current being drained by a user's product/device during         use;     -   ii) a current being used in the power source during discharge;     -   iii) a current being drained from the power source;     -   iv) a current being charged to the power source, if the power         source is rechargeable.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one charger sensor that is adapted to determine a connection to the battery charger by detecting a voltage from the battery charger, the at least one charge sensor being operatively connected to the programmable controller.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one charger sensor adapted to detect a voltage of the battery charger as a voltage level information and feed the voltage level information to the programmable controller in order to regulate the detected voltage of the battery charger for charging a rechargeable power source.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one charger sensor adapted to detect a voltage level information from a battery charger and send the voltage level information to the programmable controller in order to regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a voltage buck regulator that is operatively connected to the programmable controller, the programmable controller being adapted to receive at least one input signal from the voltage buck regulator to allow the voltage buck regulator to convert a voltage supplied by the power source to the output voltage of the battery.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a voltage boost regulator that is operatively connected to the programmable controller, the programmable controller being adapted to receive at least one input signal from the voltage boost regulator to allow the voltage boost regulator to convert a voltage supplied by the power source to the output voltage of the battery.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a noise suppression circuit that is operatively connected to the programmable controller.

Preferably, the programmable controller is programmed to monitor the current and/or voltage level of the power source based on the input and output signals, and the programmable controller is operatively connected to the voltage level indicator in order provide an indication when the battery approaches the end of a discharge.

In a third aspect, the invention resides in a battery comprising:

-   -   a positive terminal;     -   a negative terminal;     -   a power source; and     -   a voltage regulation device operatively connected to the         positive terminal, the negative terminal and the power source,     -   wherein the voltage regulation device is adapted to provide a         battery output voltage,     -   wherein the battery output voltage is greater than or         substantially equal to a power source output voltage.

Preferably, the power source is selected such that the power source voltage is substantially similar to or less than a desired battery output voltage of the voltage regulation device. For example, an alkaline or NiMH power source in a AA battery.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one regulator configured to increase the power source output voltage and to provide a regulated battery output voltage.

Preferably, the at least one regulator for increasing the power source output voltage is a boost regulator.

Preferably the voltage regulation device is adapted to be controlled by a micro-controller. In some embodiments, the battery comprises the micro-controller.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a switch.

Preferably, the switch comprises electronic components.

Preferably, the switch is configured to select between a low-power operating mode and an active operating mode of the voltage regulation device.

Preferably, the switch is configured to have a substantially negligible current draw relative to the stored energy of the battery.

Preferably, the switch comprises comparator circuit. More preferably, the comparator circuit is configured to draw an ultra-low quiescent current.

Preferably, the switch is configured to detect the connection of a charger to the battery and to switch between the low-power operating mode and the active operating mode accordingly.

Preferably, the switch is configured to monitor a power source voltage and is configured to set the voltage regulation device to the low-power operating mode while the power source voltage is above a first predetermined threshold.

Preferably the first predetermined voltage threshold is substantially 1.3V.

Preferably, the switch is configured to monitor a power source voltage and is configured to set the voltage regulation device to the active operating mode while the power source voltage is below a second predetermined threshold.

Preferably the second predetermined voltage threshold is substantially 1.3V.

Preferably while in the low-power operating mode the voltage regulation device does not actively regulate the output voltage.

Preferably, the switch includes a method of detecting when a charger has been connected or removed and automatically switching between the low-power operating mode and the active operating mode accordingly.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to sense the output current and adjust the output voltage according to the output current.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to sense and regulate an input voltage that charges the power source.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to sense a connection to a battery charger.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to sense a connection to a battery charger and detect the voltage of the battery charger in order to regulate the detected voltage of the battery charger for charging a rechargeable power source.

Preferably, the battery comprises a housing that is adapted to house at least the power source and the voltage regulation device.

Preferably, the battery is an AA battery or an AAA battery.

Preferably, the regulated output voltage is in a range between 1.2V and 1.5V, more preferably between 1.25V and 1.5V.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to monitor the current and/or voltage level of the power source and provide an indication to a user when the battery approaches the end of the discharge.

Preferably, the battery includes a voltage level indicator for providing an indication of the voltage level of the power source.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least:

-   -   a current sensing circuit that is adapted to sense the output         current in a power source of the battery; and     -   a programmable controller which is adapted to receive at least         one input signal from the current sensing circuit and regulate         the output voltage according to the output current at the         programmed variable level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a charge sensor that is adapted to detect a voltage level information from a battery charger and send the voltage information to a programmable controller in order to regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a voltage sensor adapted to sense the voltage level information of the power source and feed the voltage level information to the programmable controller, wherein the programmable controller is programmed to provide a lower output voltage if the power source voltage has dropped to a pre-determined level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a current sensing circuit adapted to detect at least two of the following

-   -   i) a current being drained by a user's product/device;     -   ii) a current being used in a power source of the battery during         discharge;     -   iii) a current being drained from the power source;

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a plurality of electronic components operatively connected to each other for noise suppression.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises:

-   -   a) a current sensing circuit adapted to detect at least two of         the following:         -   i) a current being drained by a user's product/device;         -   ii) a current being used in a power source of the battery             during discharge;         -   iii) a current being drained from the power source;         -   iv) a current being charged to the power source, if the             power source is rechargeable.     -   b) a voltage boost regulator adapted to increase a voltage         supplied from an external battery charger to a higher voltage to         charge a rechargeable power source;     -   c) a voltage boost regulator adapted to increase a voltage         supplied by the power source to the output voltage of the         battery;     -   d) a programmable controller adapted to receive input signals at         least from the current sensing circuit, one or both of the         voltage boost regulators, and control and regulate the output         voltage of the battery at a programmed variable level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a plurality of electronic components operatively connected to each other for noise suppression.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises:

-   -   a) a first current sensing circuit adapted to sense/detect any         current being drained by a user's product/device and a current         being used in a rechargeable power source of the battery during         discharge;     -   b) a voltage boost regulator adapted to increase a voltage         supplied from an external battery charger to a higher voltage to         charge a rechargeable power source;     -   c) a voltage boost regulator adapted to convert a voltage         supplied by a power source to the output voltage of the battery;     -   d) a second current sensing circuit adapted to sense/detect a         current being supplied by an external battery charger and a         current being charged to a rechargeable power source;     -   e) a programmable microcontroller adapted to receive input         signals at least from the first current sensing circuit, either         or both voltage boost regulators, the second current sensing         circuit and control and regulate the output voltage of the         battery at a programmed level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a plurality of electronic components operatively connected to each other for noise suppression.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a microcontroller voltage regulation device adapted to regulate the voltage of the microcontroller; the microcontroller voltage regulation device being located external to the microcontroller and is adapted to regulate the voltage of the microcontroller.

Preferably, the output voltage of the battery is controlled and regulated at a programmed level between 1.2V and 1.5V, more preferably between 1.25V and 1.5V.

Preferably, the first and second current sensing circuits each comprise at least two resistors and one capacitor that are operatively connected to each other.

Preferably, the voltage boost regulator comprises at least an N-channel MOSFET, four resistors, a diode and a capacitor that are operatively connected to each other.

Preferably, the plurality of electronic components for noise suppression comprises at least four capacitors and an inductor that are that are operatively connected to each other.

Preferably, the microcontroller voltage regulation device comprises at least a resistor and a diode that are operatively connected to each other.

In a fourth aspect, the invention resides in a battery comprising:

-   -   a positive terminal;     -   a negative terminal;     -   a power source; and     -   a voltage regulation device operatively connected to the         positive terminal, the negative terminal and the power source,     -   wherein the voltage regulation device is adapted to provide a         battery output voltage,     -   wherein the battery output voltage is less than or substantially         equal to a power source output voltage.

Preferably, the power source is selected such that the power source voltage is substantially similar to or greater than a desired battery output voltage of the voltage regulation device. For example, the power source voltage may be the voltage output by a Li-ion power source in an AA battery.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least one regulator configured to reduce the power source output voltage and to provide a regulated battery output voltage.

Preferably, the at least one regulator for reducing the power source output voltage is a buck regulator.

Preferably the voltage regulation device is adapted to be controlled by a micro-controller. In some embodiments, the battery comprises the micro-controller.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a switch.

Preferably, the switch comprises electronic components.

Preferably, the switch is configured to select between a low-power operating mode and an active operating mode of the voltage regulation device.

Preferably, the switch is configured to have a substantially negligible current draw relative to the stored energy of the battery.

Preferably, the switch comprises comparator circuit. More preferably, the comparator circuit is configured to draw an ultra-low quiescent current.

Preferably, the switch is configured to detect the connection of a charger to the battery and to switch between the low-power operating mode and the active operating mode accordingly.

Preferably, the switch is configured to monitor a power source voltage and is configured to set the voltage regulation device to the low-power operating mode while the power source voltage is above a first predetermined threshold.

Preferably the first predetermined voltage threshold is substantially 1.3V.

Preferably, the switch is configured to monitor a power source voltage and is configured to set the voltage regulation device to the active operating mode while the power source voltage is below a second predetermined threshold.

Preferably the second predetermined voltage threshold is substantially 1.3V.

Preferably while in the low-power operating mode the voltage regulation device does not actively regulate the output voltage.

Preferably, the switch is configured to detect when a charger has been connected or disconnected to/from the battery and to automatically switch between the low-power operating mode and the active operating mode accordingly.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to sense the output current and adjust the output voltage according to the output current.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to sense and regulate an input voltage that charges the power source.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to sense a connection to a battery charger.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to sense a connection to a battery charger and detect the voltage of the battery charger in order to regulate the detected voltage of the battery charger for charging a rechargeable power source.

Preferably, the battery comprises a housing that is adapted to house at least the power source and the voltage regulation device.

Preferably, the battery is an AA battery or an AAA battery.

Preferably, the regulated output voltage is in a range between 1.2V and 1.5V, more preferably between 1.25V and 1.5V.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device is adapted to monitor the current and/or voltage level of the power source and provide an indication to a user when the battery approaches the end of the discharge.

Preferably, the battery includes a voltage level indicator for providing an indication of the voltage level of the power source.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises at least:

a current sensing circuit that is adapted to sense the output current in a power source of the battery; and a programmable controller which is adapted to receive at least one input signal from the current sensing circuit and regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a charge sensor that is adapted to detect voltage level information from a battery charger and send the voltage level information to a programmable controller in order to regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a voltage sensor adapted to sense voltage level information of the power source and feed the voltage level information to the programmable controller, wherein the programmable controller is programmed to provide a lower output voltage if the power source voltage has dropped to a pre-determined level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a current sensing circuit adapted to detect at least two of the following:

-   -   i) a current being drained by a user's product/device;     -   ii) a current being used in a power source of the battery during         discharge;     -   iii) a current being drained from the power source;

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a plurality of electronic components operatively connected to each other for noise suppression.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises:

-   -   a) a current sensing circuit adapted to detect at least two of         the following:         -   i) a current being drained by a user's product/device;         -   ii) a current being used in a power source of the battery             during discharge;         -   iii) a current being drained from a rechargeable power             source;         -   iv) a current being charged to a rechargeable power source;     -   b) a voltage boost regulator adapted to increase a voltage         supplied from an external battery charger to a higher voltage to         charge a rechargeable power source;     -   c) a voltage buck regulator adapted to increase a voltage         supplied by the power source to the output voltage of the         battery;     -   d) a programmable controller adapted to receive input signals at         least from the current sensing circuit, the voltage buck         regulator, the voltage boost regulator, and control and regulate         the output voltage of the battery at a programmed variable         level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a plurality of electronic components operatively connected to each other for noise suppression.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises:

-   -   a) a first current sensing circuit adapted to sense/detect any         current being drained by a user's product/device and a current         being used in a rechargeable power source of the battery during         discharge;     -   b) a voltage boost regulator adapted to increase a voltage         supplied from an external battery charger to a higher voltage to         charge a rechargeable power source;     -   c) a voltage boost regulator adapted to convert a voltage         supplied by a power source to the output voltage of the battery;     -   d) a second current sensing circuit adapted to sense/detect a         current being supplied by an external battery charger and a         current being charged to a rechargeable power source;     -   e) a programmable microcontroller adapted to receive input         signals at least from the first current sensing circuit, the         voltage buck regulator, the voltage boost regulator, the second         current sensing circuit and control and regulate the output         voltage of the battery at a programmed level.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a plurality of electronic components operatively connected to each other for noise suppression.

Preferably, the voltage regulation device comprises a microcontroller voltage regulation device adapted to regulate the voltage of the microcontroller; the microcontroller voltage regulation device being located external to the microcontroller and is adapted to regulate the voltage of the microcontroller.

Preferably, the output voltage of the battery is controlled and regulated at a programmed level between 1.2V and 1.5V, more preferably between 1.25V and 1.5V.

Preferably, the first and second current sensing circuits each comprise at least two resistors and one capacitor that are operatively connected to each other.

Preferably, the voltage boost regulator comprises at least an N-channel MOSFET, four resistors, a diode and a capacitor that are operatively connected to each other.

Preferably, the plurality of electronic components for noise suppression comprises at least four capacitors and an inductor that are that are operatively connected to each other.

Preferably, the microcontroller voltage regulation device comprises at least a resistor and a diode that are operatively connected to each other.

In a yet further aspect, the invention resides in a battery comprising the voltage regulation device as defined in any one or more of the statements above.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a rechargeable battery according to the present invention and some internal components of the battery are also shown.

FIG. 2 is a cut away view of the first embodiment of the battery of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3(a)-(c) together show a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a voltage regulation circuit to be used in the battery of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 4(a)-(i) together show a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a voltage regulation circuit to be used in the battery of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary process to sense the output current and adjust the output voltage for a battery using a voltage regulation circuit of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is the schematic diagram of an exemplary output current sensor circuit that may be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

FIG. 7 is the schematic diagram of an exemplary Low Drop-out Linear (LDO) regulator circuit that may be used in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is the schematic diagram of a Synchronous Buck Regulator circuit that may be used in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is the schematic diagram of an alternative form of an output current sensor circuit that may be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an exemplary process for intelligent battery charging using a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

FIG. 11 is an example of a comparator circuit for detecting a battery charger that is suitable to be used together with the second embodiment of the voltage regulation circuit.

FIG. 12 is an example of a Dual Slope ADC circuit for charging the internal cell that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an example of a transformer based circuit for charging the internal cell that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

FIG. 14 is an example of a Single-Ended Primary Inductor Convertor circuit for charging the internal cell that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an exemplary process for monitoring the internal power source/internal cell and for reducing the voltage as the power source approaches the end of discharge using a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

FIG. 16 is an example of a current limiting circuit for determining a battery voltage level that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

FIG. 17 is an example of a circuit for determining a battery voltage level to show voltage level that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a bar graph showing data for several types of AA batteries when tested in a digital compact camera.

FIG. 19 is an exemplary graph showing actual for several types of AAA batteries when tested in a CREE LED flashlight.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing expected results for several types of batteries when used over time to recharge external camera flash with continuous use.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an exemplary process of detecting the battery output voltage and using a voltage sensor for selecting between the low-power mode and active mode.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an exemplary process of switching between the low-power and active modes by receiving an input from a button and latching the voltage regulation circuit into the relevant operation mode.

FIG. 23 is an example of a circuit for boosting the output voltage from a lower voltage internal power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred examples. The invention is in no way limited to the example(s) and/or drawings as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show one embodiment of a battery (100) of the present invention comprising electronic components being operatively connected to each other. In one form, the battery (100) is an AA or AAA sized rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery of a predetermined voltage, preferably 2.8 volts (V) to 4.2 V, such as 3.7 V. The battery (100) includes a positive terminal (102) operatively connected by a voltage carrying means, such as a first wire (104) to a voltage regulation device (110) comprising a circuitry at least for voltage regulation. The voltage regulation device (110) may consist of multiple independent or interconnected circuits, and for simplicity will hereinafter be referred to as a voltage regulation circuit (110). Therefore, the first wire (104) electrically connects the positive terminal (102) of the battery to the voltage regulation circuit (110).

The voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises electronic components in a suitable electrically connected arrangement. A circuit diagrams depicting two of the exemplary arrangements of the electronic components in the voltage regulation circuit (110) will be discussed later with reference to FIGS. 3 (a)-(c) and FIGS. 4 (a)-(i).

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the voltage regulation circuit (110) is further connected by another voltage carrying means, preferably a second wire (106) to a negative terminal (112). The voltage regulation circuit (110) is also connected by at least one or more wires to each polarity (108) to an internal cell (114), which in this example is a 2.8 V to 4.2 V Li-ion cell such as a 3.7 V Li-ion cell. The battery (100) further comprises housing or a shell (116) made out of any suitable material shaped and constructed to house the electronic components of the battery. The shell (116) surrounds, protects and encapsulates the electronic components of the battery (100). Preferably, the shell (116) is made of a very thin (approximately 1 mm thick) metal. The shell in this one example is shaped as an enclosed tube with a first (e.g. bottom) section and a second (e.g. top) section whereby the second section of the shell is attached after the assembly. The battery may comprise an additional thin shell layer (not pictured) used to display information such as branding, size, voltage and safety information. Typically this encompasses the shell (116) and has openings for the terminals (102, 112).

The voltage regulation circuit (110) is at least adapted to regulate the output voltage in a programmed variable level and/or to sense and regulate the input voltage that charges the internal cell (114). The internal cell (114) is adapted to provide power to the voltage regulation circuit (110) via wires (108). These wires (108) are adapted to be used for both the charge and discharge of the internal cell (114). The internal cell (114) is preferably any power source, however the examples describe use of a Li-ion cell. A person skilled in the art will understand that a similar system may be developed for an alternative power source, rechargeable or otherwise.

The voltage regulation circuit (110) may comprise at least one voltage sensor that configured to determine an input voltage that charges the power source, the power source being the internal cell (114). The voltage sensors(s) are operatively connected to the programmable controller. The programmable controller is adapted to receive at least one input signal from the at least one voltage sensor to regulate the input voltage. In the preferred embodiment the voltage sensor(s) also feed information back to the switch to determine the operating mode of the voltage regulation circuit.

The voltage sensor may be configured to determine a voltage level information of the power source and feed the voltage level information to the programmable controller. The programmable controller is programmed to provide a regulated battery output voltage which may be higher, lower or substantially equal to the output voltage of the power source.

Exemplary embodiment(s) of a voltage sensor circuit will be described later in more detail.

Similarly, the voltage regulation circuit (110) may comprise at least current sensor that is configured to determine an output current in the internal cell (114). The at least one current sensor is also operatively connected to a programmable controller that is adapted to receive at least one input signal from the at least one current sensor and regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

The current sensor(s) may be adapted to detect a connection to a battery charger when operatively connected to the programmable controller and/or the switch.

The current sensor (s) may also be adapted to detect two or more of the following:

-   -   i) a current being drained by a user's product/device during         use;     -   ii) a current being used in the internal cell (110) during         discharge;     -   iii) a current being drained from the internal cell (110); and     -   iv) a current being used to recharge the internal cell (110), if         the internal cell (110) is rechargeable.

Exemplary embodiment(s) of a current sensor circuit will be described later in more detail.

The voltage regulation circuit (110) will be described with reference to several exemplary embodiments. Although, the circuit has been referred to as a voltage regulation circuit (110), it is to be understood that voltage regulation is not necessarily the sole purpose of the voltage regulation circuit (100). Some of the other functions of the voltage regulation circuit (110) have been described later.

First Embodiment of the Voltage Regulation Circuit (FIGS. 3 (a)-(c))

FIGS. 3 (a)-(c) together show the circuit diagram of one form of a voltage regulation circuit (110) that may be used in the battery (100) of the present invention. As it can be seen from FIGS. 3(a)-(c), the voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises several electronic components that are electronically and operatively connected to each other. Exemplary values and units of most of those electronic components are also shown. To a person skilled in the art, component values, arrangement and the functionality of the voltage regulation circuit (110) will be self-explanatory upon consideration of the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 3 (a)-(c) and therefore need not be discussed in detail.

Nevertheless, the schematic diagram of the voltage regulation circuit (110) as shown in FIGS. 3(a)-(c) will now be discussed briefly.

As shown in FIG. 3(b), the voltage regulation circuit (110) may comprise an electronic controller which can be a programmable controller, for example a microcontroller (U1), such as a PIC16F616 microcontroller, that is adapted to send and receive several input and output signals from the circuit of FIGS. 3(a) and (c). The microcontroller (U1) is operatively connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal, the power source and to one or more of the other electronic components of the voltage regulation device in order to send and receive input and output signals and thereby to sense and regulate the output voltage in the programmed variable level.

In FIG. 3(a), a first component (P1) on the left represents the terminals (102 and 112) of the battery (100) that are adapted to connect a user's product/device (not shown) in order to supply power to the user's product/device. The first component (P1) is also adapted to connect to a battery charger (not shown) in order to charge a power source/internal cell (114) such as a Li-ion cell that is internal to the battery (100). There is a second component (P2) on the right that connects to the power source/internal cell (114) such as the Li-ion cell that is internal to the battery (100).

Capacitors (C1, C2, C3 and C4) and inductor (L1) are preferably positioned in the circuit as shown in the FIG. 2 (a). These components form a noise suppression circuit that is operatively connected to the microcontroller (U1) so that the microcontroller (U1) can receive at least one input signal from the noise suppression circuit. The noise suppression circuit provides for noise suppression, particularly spurious electronic noise suppression.

The voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises at least one regulator. The regulator(s) being operatively connected to the programmable controller (U1) and is adapted to be activated by the programmable controller (U1) at a preset battery output level in order to regulate the output voltage. This will now be described in more detail.

A voltage boost regulator is formed by an N-channel MOSFET (Q2), resistors (R12, R4, R3, R14), diode (D2) and capacitor (C6). The voltage boost regulator is operatively connected to microcontroller (U1) and the microcontroller (U1) is adapted to receive at least one input signal from the voltage boost regulator to allow the voltage boost regulator to increase a voltage supplied from a battery charger to a higher voltage to charge the internal cell (114). The voltage boost regulator is adapted to increase the voltage from a first level supplied from an external battery charger (for example approximately 1.6V DC) to a second higher voltage that is needed for charging the internal cell (>3.5V DC). The voltage boost regulator is controlled by the first control signal (PWM1), which is a Pulse Width Modulated signal and provides its status to the micro-controller (U1) via a first current signal (CUR1).

Resistors (R6 and R15) and capacitor (C8) together define a first current sensing circuit configured to determine or sense:

-   -   i) the current being drained by the user's product/device; and     -   ii) the current being used by the internal cell (114) of the         battery (100) during discharge.

The first current sensing circuit provides its status to the micro-controller (U1) via a second current signal (CUR2).

A voltage buck regulator is formed by a P-channel MOSFET (Q1), diode (D2) and resistors (R2 and R16). The voltage buck regulator is operatively connected to the microcontroller (U1) and the microcontroller (U1) is adapted to receive at least one input signal from the voltage buck regulator to allow the voltage buck regulator to convert a voltage supplied by the internal cell (110) to the output voltage of the battery (100).

The voltage buck regulator is adapted to convert the voltage supplied by the Li-ion cell (3.7V DC) to the regulator battery output (up to 1.5V DC). A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the battery output voltage may vary depending on the current being used by the user's product/devices. Such variable regulation is controlled by the micro-controller (U1) via a second control signal, which is a Pulse Width Modulated signal (described in more detail below). The micro-controller (U1) receives feedback as to the regulated output voltage from the buck regulator through resistor (R1) and capacitor (C9).

Resistors (R13 and R5) and capacitor (C7) together define a second current sensing circuit adapted to sense/detect:

-   -   i) the current being drained from the Li-ion cell; and     -   ii) the current being charged to the Li-ion cell.

This circuit provides its status to the micro-controller (U1) via a third current signal (CUR3).

A circuit for regulating a voltage of the microcontroller (U1) is shown in the FIG. 3(c). This microcontroller voltage regulation circuit comprises resistor (R8) and shunt regulator (D4) and this circuit provides its status to the micro-controller (U1) via a voltage signal (VREF).

As can be seen from FIG. 3(b), the micro-controller (U1) comprises resistor (R7) and capacitor (C5). FIG. 3(b), shows how the microcontroller (U1) receives several input signals from the circuits of FIGS. 3(a) and (c). As shown in FIG. 3(b), the microcontroller (U1) gets feedback from the current signals (CUR1, CUR2 and CUR 3) and provides a first and second control signal (PWM1 and PWM2) of FIG. 3(a) to ensure correct output voltage of the battery (100) when in use and also to ensure correct charging of the internal cell (114) when the battery (100) is connected to the charger (not shown). When there is a predetermined current drain from the user's product/device that is sensed from the second current signal (CUR2), the output voltage of the battery is set via the second control signal (PWM2) at a programmed level between 1.2 V DC and 1.5V DC to ensure the best possible usability. This ability to control/regulate voltage at a programmed level between 1.2V and 1.5V DC is a highly advantageous feature of the present invention. This is because if the output voltage was set to a fixed 1.5V DC, it may burn out some electronics. Similarly, if the output voltage is set at a lower voltage, the battery may not provide enough voltage for some electronics.

Therefore, by the use of advanced micro-electronics, a battery (100) with a regulated output voltage is achieved. The battery (100) using the voltage regulation circuit (110) as discussed above is able to output a high amount of power until it is fully discharged (or ‘flat’). This is advantageous over previously known non rechargeable/single use batteries as well as all other NiMH/NiCD rechargeable batteries which slowly reduce the output voltage as they discharge (or ‘go flat’) thereby affecting how the user's product/device might work.

Also, the battery (100) using the voltage regulation circuit (110) as discussed above can provide a regulated voltage input which means that the battery (100) can be charged with all commercially available NiMH/NiCD battery chargers. This can be an additional advantage over previously known circuit regulated batteries that require special chargers. Alternatively, special chargers can be developed for the batteries if desired.

Also, in the event of a power source in the form of a primary or secondary cell whose voltage matches the range of desired output voltages, the buck regulator (formed by Q1, D2 and L1) may be left in a state where the PFET is held on. In this particular embodiment of the invention it may be desirable to increase the impedance of resistor (R2) to reduce current draw. In this mode the micro-controller may not be required and can be put into a low-power state, whereby it is substantially inactive until a switch device (not shown) such as a quiescent current comparator, for example an ultra-low quiescent current comparator, detects a change in the output voltage and returns the microcontroller to its active mode. In such a configuration it may be desirable to add an additional component such as a resistor to bias the gate of the PFET (Q1) towards an on or conducting state while micro-controller is inactive.

Second Preferred Embodiment of the Voltage Regulation Circuit (FIGS. 4 (a)-(i))

FIGS. 4 (a)-(i) together show a circuit diagram of an alternative form of the voltage regulation circuit (110) that is used in the battery (100) of the present invention. As it can be seen from FIGS. 4(a)-(i), the voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises several electronic components that are electronically and operatively connected to each other. Exemplary values and units of most of those electronic components are also shown in those figures. To a person skilled in the art, the component values, arrangement and functionality of the voltage regulation circuit (110) will be self-explanatory upon consideration of the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 4(a)-(i) and therefore need not be discussed in detail.

Nevertheless, the schematic diagram of the voltage regulation circuit (110) as shown in FIGS. 4 (a)-(i) will now be discussed briefly.

As shown in FIG. 4 (i), the voltage regulation circuit (110) of this second preferred embodiment comprises a microcontroller (U5) that is adapted to send and receive several input and output signals from the circuits of FIGS. 4(a) to (h).

In FIG. 4(a), a first component (P1) represents the terminals (102 and 112) of the battery (100) that is adapted to be connected to a user's product/device (not shown) in order to supply power to the user's product/device. The first component (P1) is also adapted to connect to a battery charger (not shown) in order to charge the power source i.e., internal cell (114) such as Li-ion cell that is internal to the battery (100).

FIG. 4(a) comprises an Output Current Sensor, Low Dropout Linear Regulator (i.e. LDO Regulator) and Synchronous Buck Regulator/Voltage Boost and Pass through. These components will be discussed later in more detail.

FIG. 4 (b) contains a second component (P2) that connects to the internal cell (114) that is internal to the battery (110). The circuit of FIG. 4(b) is adapted to provide voltage references that are required by other circuit sections. In this example, a fixed voltage regulator outputs a 2.048 volts DC to VREF 2. This voltage is divided using resistors (R21, R12, R18 and R15) to provide voltage references of 1.55 VDC and 1.4 VDC. These voltage references are used by at least one or more of; the microcontroller (U5) of FIG. 4(i), the current sensor of FIG. 6 and the synchronous buck regulator/voltage booster of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 4 (c)-(e) show the power connections for integrated circuits U3, U7 and U14 respectively. They are powered directly from the second component (P2) via the power source V CELL.

FIG. 4 (f) is an example circuit for sensing the battery output voltage and is used as the Charger Sensor Circuit to detect an external charger. This circuit and its applications will be discussed later in more detail.

FIG. 4 (g) is an example circuit for sensing the voltage of the internal cell (114) and is used as the Internal Cell Voltage Sensor. This circuit and its applications will be discussed later in more detail.

FIG. 4 (h) is a fixed 3.3 V DC regulator to power the microcontroller (U5). 4 (i) shows how a programmable microcontroller (U5) receives several inputs from the circuits of FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (h).

The voltage regulation circuit of this second embodiment can provide several key features including intelligent battery output; intelligent battery charging; voltage drop when the power source approaches the end of discharge and battery level indication.

These key features and how they are achieved will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Intelligent Battery/Output

Intelligent battery output is one of the features of the battery (100) that may be achieved through the voltage regulation circuit (110) of the second embodiment.

With regular batteries (Alkaline 1.5 V disposable, Lithium 1.5V primary and MiMH 1.2 V rechargeable), under load the voltage drops slightly even when the batteries are new and fully charged. Some electronics is designed with this in mind such as many flashlights where bulbs are not rated at 1.5 V but are rated at a slightly lower voltage than 1.5V, mostly in the 1.2V to 1.4V range.

A fixed 1.5 V output will in some cases damage the electronics. Some flashlights will burn out the bulbs with a fixed 1.5 V battery/batteries.

In the present invention, the battery (100) is adapted to sense the output current and adjust the output voltage according to the output current. An example of a possible voltage drop for an AA battery is as per below.

TABLE 1 Output Current Output Voltage mA vDC 0 1.50 50 1.49 100 1.48 150 1.47 200 1.46 250 1.45 300 1.44 400 1.43 600 1.42 800 1.41 1000 1.40 1100 1.39 1200 1.38 1300 1.37 1400 1.36 1500 1.35 or more

The battery output current can be monitored by a number of methods. One method is to use a very low ohms value resistor on either the positive or the negative output, and measure the voltage across the resistor. As the current increases, the voltage across the resistor will increase.

The feedback can then be used to adjust the voltage regulator and lower the output voltage.

An example of a circuit that will do this will now be discussed.

The voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises at least one regulator that is operatively connected to the programmable controller (U5) and is adapted to be activated by the programmable controller (U5) at a preset battery output level in order to regulate the output voltage. This will now be described in more detail.

The block diagram of FIG. 5 corresponds to the circuit of FIG. 4(a) that has both a LDO regulator (510) and a Voltage Buck Regulator, i.e. a Synchronous Buck Regulator (530). The LDO regulator (510) is included in this embodiment for battery efficiency at low currents. It is possible to have only one regulator or more than two regulators.

Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 5, when there is no current drain or a pre-determined low current drain the programmable controller (520) which is same as the microcontroller (U5) of FIG. 4(i), may activate the LDO regulator (510) to regulate the output voltage and disable the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530). The LDO Regulator (510) output is sensed for the current flow and provided as the battery output (550). An Output Current Sensor (540) is fed back to the programmable controller (520). If the output current exceeds a pre-determined current drain, the programmable controller (520) activates the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) and disables the LDO regulator (510). In this example, for low current outputs, the LDO regulator (510) is more efficient and for medium to high current outputs, the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) is more efficient.

In some forms it is preferred to provide an output path directly through the buck regulator when the cell voltage is within a pre-determined window of acceptable output voltages (such as 1.3-1.5V). In doing so the buck regulator can run in a 100% duty cycle or always on mode and only have reduced losses associated with the low on-resistance of the P-FET (Q2) and the resistance of the inductor (L1). In this low-power mode it may be desirable to disable or shut down non-active circuitry to further reduce the quiescent current draw and increase efficiency. A switch configured to draw a low current, for example comprising or taking the form of an ultra-low quiescent current comparator, can then be used to return the circuit to its active operation mode once the output voltage or the cell voltage reaches a pre-determined threshold, or an external power source is detected such as an external charger.

The circuit of FIG. 6 is an example of the Output Current Sensor (540) of FIG. 5 having the battery output (550) as P1. This circuit of the Output Current Sensor (540) of FIG. 6 can also be seen in FIG. 4(a). As it can be seen in FIG. 4(i), the signals “I EN”, “LOAD 1” and “VREF 2” all connect to the microcontroller (U5).

The current is measured by measuring the voltage drop across resistor (R1) using an operational amplifier (U3A) with the resulting voltage being provided to microcontroller (U5) where programming determines the actual current value. The higher the current flow through resistor (R1), the higher the voltage difference across resistor (R1) (as per Ohm's Law Voltage (V)=Current (I)×Resistance (R)). In the circuit of FIG. 6, the operational amplifier (U3A) amplifies the voltage difference measured across resistor (R1) to provide greater measurement accuracy.

The circuit of FIG. 7 is an example of a circuit for the LDO Regulator (U15) which is the same as the LDO regulator (510) in the block diagram of FIG. 5. This circuit of FIG. 7 can also be seen in FIG. 4(a). The “V Cell” signal is connected to the internal cell (114), the “LDO EN” is connected to the microcontroller (U5), and may include an optional biasing means such as a resistor (not shown) to ensure the regulator remains in a desirable state should the micro-controller shut down, and P1 is the battery output (550).

For low current drains, the LDO Regulator (U15) will act as a fixed voltage regulator to ensure maximum efficiency at low loads. The LDO regulator (U15) is enabled or disabled by the programmable controller (520), i.e. the microcontroller (U5). In the circuit of FIG. 7, the LDO regulator (U15) will be enabled, when the battery (100) has a low current drain and will be disabled when the battery (100) has a high current drain. During the high current drain, the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) will take over. The LDO regulator (U15) in this example of FIG. 7 is a fixed voltage regulator. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention will also work if the LDO regulator was a variable voltage regulator set for a fixed output such as 1.5 V DC.

The circuit of FIG. 8 is an example of a Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) of FIG. 5. This circuit of FIG. 8 can also be seen in FIG. 4(a). The Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) will be activated by the microcontroller (U5) at a preset battery output current level. The “V Cell” signal is connected to the internal cell (114). The signals “PWM HI”, “SHNT REG EN” and “PWM LOW” signals all connect to the microcontroller (U5) as shown in FIG. 4(i). The battery output is shown as P1. The signal “V1V55” is connected to a fixed 1.55 V DC reference.

For high current drains, the programming of the microcontroller (U5) will turn off the LDO Regulator (U15) and regulate the output using the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530). This is done by turning off the operational amplifier (U3B) and the microcontroller (U5) will control the output voltage via the operational amplifier (U1), N channel MOSFET (Q1), P channel MOSFET (Q2) and inductor (L1).

In addition the inductor (L1), N-FET (Q1), and P-FET (Q2) can form a boost regulator for charging the internal cell or power source from an external charger.

The output voltage is the input voltage times the duty cycle and hence lowering the duty cycle allows the reduction of the output voltage. Programming of the microcontroller controls the duty cycle.

V_Out=V_in*Duty

Duty=Q1 (On Time)/Q1 (Off Time)+Q1 (On Time))

e.g. V_In=3.5V, On time=420 ns, Off time=580 ns

Duty=420e−9/420e−9+580e−9)=0.42

V_Out=3.5*0.42=1.47 V

Although the embodiment discussed above uses two regulators for efficiency purpose, it is possible to have only one regulator or more than two regulators.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative form of the output current sensor (540) to measure the battery output current. The circuit of FIG. 9 uses a Hall Effect Sensor (represented by X in FIG. 9) to measure the magnetic field through a conductor that carries a current which eliminates the need for the resistor (R1). The magnetic field strength around the conductor is proportional to the current flow through it. As the current increases, the magnetic field strength increases. The current flows from IP+ to IP−.

Switch for Selecting Operating Mode

An operating mode switch allows for a low self-discharge while the battery is in storage or when the power source output voltage is substantially similar to the desired battery output voltage.

The switch may comprise or take the form of a physical switch such as used in the battery capacity level indicators well known in the art. In other embodiments the switch may comprise or take the form of an electronic switch such as a quiescent current comparator, for example an ultra-low quiescent current comparator.

A physical switch may have a negligible current draw, while an electronic switch could be designed to have a low or ultra-low current draw.

Preferably the voltage regulation device has two operating modes:

-   -   1. A low-power operating mode where the non-essential         electronics are powered down or in a low power state. In some         embodiments the low-power operating mode may be considered a         low-power operating mode; and     -   2. An active mode whereby the voltage regulation circuit is         actively regulating the output voltage.

It is appreciated that there could be more than two modes. For example, in some embodiments the voltage regulation device is configured to operate in a third “disconnection” mode where the battery terminals are operatively disconnected from the power source as described below.

In the disconnection mode, it will be understood that the output of the power source may be operatively disconnected from the terminals of the battery. This means that an electronic load applied to the terminals does not discharge the battery further.

The disconnection of the output of the power source from the terminals may be provided by a series of electronic components. Furthermore, in the disconnection mode, it will be appreciated that a current path may be provided to charge the power source. For example, the output may be disconnected by electronic components such as diodes, transistors, of FETs which are configured to allow current to flow in a single direction as known to those skilled in the art.

The physical switch may be configured to disconnect the power source (114) from the terminals (102, 112) or disable the voltage regulation device (110).

In use a user may press the contact sensitive regions of the battery capacity level indicator to enable the intelligent battery and press the contact sensitive regions of the battery capacity level indicator once more to disable the intelligent battery.

The switch may comprise or take the form of a momentary contact switch with an accompanying latch circuit to hold the voltage regulation circuit (110) in the desired operational state. It is also an aspect of the present technology to allow the switch to disconnect the power source from the output terminals. This is further described later with reference to FIG. 23.

Preferably the switch is configured to disable circuit elements which are not required in the low-power mode, such as the micro-controller. In doing so the quiescent current draw of the battery can be reduced.

Preferably the switch comprises or take the form of an automatic electronic switch such as an ultra-low quiescent current comparator.

The switch has two key purposes as explained below.

-   1. For batteries which use a primary (non-rechargeable) cell, the     quiescent current can be reduced significantly while the cell     voltage matches a pre-defined range of acceptable output voltages.     This results in a much lower battery self-discharge and subsequently     results in a battery with more stored energy when it is received by     a customer while still maintaining the advantages of a regulated     output voltage increasing the useful life of the battery. -   2. For batteries which use a secondary (rechargeable) cell, the     quiescent current can be reduced significantly while the cell     voltage matches a pre-defined range of acceptable output voltages.     This reduces the likelihood of over discharge (depending on     chemistry and defined acceptable output voltages).

TABLE 2 Alkaline Electronics Preferred Output On or Off embodiment's Output 1.5 v Off 1.5 v 1.4 v Off 1.4 v 1.3 v Off 1.3 v 1.2 v On 1.3 v 1.1 v On 1.3 v 1.0 v On 1.3 v 0.9 v On 1.3 v 0.8 v On 1.3 v 0.7 v On 1.1 v <0.7 v Off 0 v

The above table gives an example of the output of the preferred embodiment where the voltage regulation device has been configured to operate in the low-power mode while the power source voltage is above a pre-defined voltage threshold. When the power source voltage drops below this pre-defined threshold the voltage regulation device is switched into its active mode of operation and the battery output voltage is regulated at a voltage substantially similar to the pre-defined voltage threshold until the internal power source is flattened.

In this exemplary embodiment, the pre-defined voltage threshold is 1.3V. In other embodiments the voltage threshold may be lower or higher depending on the operating voltage of the battery and the voltage at which it is determined a boost is required.

The above example uses a single voltage threshold, however it is appreciated that in other embodiments there is a second (upper) voltage threshold such that, when the power source voltage is above this threshold, the voltage regulation device switches into its active mode of operation to reduce the battery output voltage. In one embodiment the second voltage threshold is substantially 1.5V. It will be appreciated that this value may differ depending, for example, on the operating voltage of the battery or other factors.

The pre-defined range of acceptable voltages depends on the desired output voltage of the battery, for example a 9V battery could have preferred output voltages in the range of 8-9 V.

As someone skilled in the art can appreciate, the switch can be included in any of the disclosed embodiments.

Intelligent Battery Charging

Intelligent battery charging is another feature that can be achieved from the second preferred embodiment of the voltage regulation circuit (110).

Existing Hybrid (power source and electronics) batteries in the AAA, AA, C and D format require special chargers or are charged by non-standard methods such as USB.

The battery (100) of the present invention uses electronic circuitry to sense a voltage from the battery charger, such as a standard NiMH or Li-ion battery charger and regulates this voltage to charge the internal cell (114).

An example of a circuit that will do this will now be described.

Turning now to the block diagram of FIG. 10, the voltage regulation circuit comprises at least one charger sensor (1020) that is operatively connected to the programmable controller (1030) which is same as the microcontroller (U5) and is adapted to determine a connection to an external battery charger (1010) by detecting a voltage from the external battery charger (1010).

The charger sensor(s) (1020) may be adapted to detect a voltage of the external battery charger (1010) as a voltage level information and feed that voltage level information to the microcontroller (U5) in order to regulate the detected voltage of the battery charger (1010) for charging the internal cell (1070) (which is same as internal cell (114)).

The charger sensor(s) (1020) may also be adapted to detect a voltage level information from an external battery charger (1010) and feed the voltage level information to the microcontroller (U5) in order to regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

Referring again to FIG. 10, when the battery (100) is connected to the external battery charger (1010), the charger sensor (1020) detects the voltage from the external battery charger (1010) and sends a signal to a programmable controller (1030) which is the same as the microcontroller (U5) of FIG. 4 (i). The signal provides information to the programmable controller (1030) regarding the type of external battery charger (1010) that is connected. If the connected external battery charger (1010) is a first power source type of battery charger (e.g. a Li-ion charger) and the internal cell (1070) (which is same as internal cell (114) of FIGS. 1 and 2) is also of the same first power source type (e.g. a Li-ion cell), the programmable controller/microcontroller (1030, U5) will activate a pass through to effectively directly connect the charger to the internal cell (1070). If the connected external battery charger (1010) is a second power source type of battery charger (e.g. a NiMH battery charger) and the internal cell of the battery is of a different power source type (e.g. Li-ion cell), the programmable controller/microcontroller (1030, U5) will activate a Voltage Boost or Pass through circuit (1060) to adjust the charge voltage to enable charging of the different power source (e.g. increase the lower NiMH charge voltage up to the higher Li-ion charge voltage).

The circuit of FIG. 4(f) is an example of the Charge Sensor (1020). The “VOUT” signal connects to the external battery charger (1010) and as shown in FIG. 4(i), the “V OUT ADC” signal connects to the microcontroller (U5).

The Voltage Boost or Pass through Circuit (1060) of this embodiment is the same circuit as the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) as described above with reference to FIG. 8, which also appears in FIG. 4 (a). The “V CELL” signal is connected to the internal cell (1070). The “PWM HI”, SHNT REG EN” and PWM LOW” signals all connect to the microcontroller (U5). P1 is the battery output. The “V1V55” is connected to fixed 1.55V DC reference. The “VOUT” signal is connected to the external battery charger (1010).

For example, a Li-ion charger will output a higher voltage than a NiMH charger and the programming of the microcontroller (U5) determines which type of external battery charger (1010) is connected. The microcontroller (U5) may then determine if the voltage needs to be adjusted to allow charging of the specific type of power source being used by the battery and controls the voltage regulation circuit to provide the required voltage level for charging the specific power source.

Turning again to FIGS. 4(a) and (i), if the microcontroller (U5) determines that a Li-ion charger is connected and the internal cell (114) is Li-ion, an output if the microcontroller (U5) will fully switch on P Channel MOSFET (Q2) and switch off N Channel MOSFET (Q1). The Li-ion charger is then connected to the internal cell (1070 via inductor (L1) and P Channel MOSFET (Q2) which are both effectively short circuit. The battery charger will act/charge like a Li-ion battery has been inserted.

If the microcontroller (U5) determines that a NiMH charger is connected and the internal cell (1170) is Li-ion, N Channel MOSFET is used to create a voltage booster from the signal “VOUT” (battery terminals and battery charger) side to the “VCELL” signal (internal cell (1170)). The inductor (L1) is used as a boost indicator so when the N Channel MOSFET (Q1) is on, current flows into inductor (L1) from the charge source. When N Channel MOSFET (Q1) is off the current flows through P Channel MOSFET (Q2) into “VCELL” and the input capacitors (C18, C34 and C35) hold the source end of the inductor at a constant voltage while it is discharging through P Channel MOSFET (Q2).

The circuit for the Output Current Sensor (1050) here is the same circuit as the Output Current Sensor (540) described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, which also appears in FIG. 4(a). Battery output and connection to the external battery charger (1010) is shown as P1 in FIG. 6. The signals “I EN”, LOAD1″ and VREF 2″ all connect to the microcontroller (U5) as shown in FIG. 4(i).

The current is measured by measuring the voltage drop across resistor (R1) using an operational amplifier (U3A) with the resulting voltage being provided to microcontroller U5 where programming determines the actual current value. The higher the current flow through R1, the higher the voltage difference across resistor (R1) (as per Ohm's Law Voltage (V)=Current (I)×Resistance (R)). In the circuit of FIG. 6, the operational amplifier (U3A) amplifies the voltage difference measured across resistor (R1) to provide greater measurement accuracy.

When the internal cell (1070) is fully charged the controller is able to sense the lower current being drawn by the internal cell (1070) via the resistor (R1) and operational amplifier (U3A) and at this point the microcontroller (U5) turns on P Channel MOSFET (Q2) (the P Channel MOSFET (Q2) acts as a shunt regulator) to bypass the charge source or to indicate to the charge source that the internal cell (1070) is fully charged.

The circuit of FIG. 4(g) is an example of the voltage sensor, i.e., an Internal Cell Voltage Sensor (1040). The signal “V-CELL” connects to the internal cell (1070) and the signal “VOUT ADC” connects to the programmable controller (1030), i.e. the microcontroller (U5).

The voltage level of the internal power source, i.e. the internal cell (1070) is sensed via resistors (R17 and R20) and that voltage is fed to the microcontroller (U5).

Although, this description of the preferred embodiment above refers to NiMH or Li-ion battery charger, a skilled person will appreciate that any type of battery charger could be used by modifying the Charge Sensor and Voltage Boost or pass through circuits.

The external battery charger can also be detected using other type of comparators such as a flash convertor or multi comparators (see FIG. 11) or Dual Slope ADC (see FIG. 12).

The internal cell (1070) can also be charged from an external battery charger (such as a NiMH charger) using other circuit designs such as via a transformer based converter such as a fly-back transformer.

An example of a transformer based circuit is shown in FIG. 13.

The internal cell can also be charged from an external battery charger using other circuit designs such as Single-Ended Primary Inductor Convertor (SEPIC) or a ‘CUK convertor. These convertors will boost the battery charger voltage to enable an internal cell with a higher or same voltage as the charger to be charged. An example of a SEPIC and/or ‘CUK circuit is shown in FIG. 14.

Voltage Drop when the Power Source Approaches the End of Discharge

This is another feature provided by the second embodiment of the voltage regulation circuit (110).

With regular batteries (Alkaline 1.5V disposable, Lithium 1.5V primary and NiMH 1.2 V rechargeable), as they go flat (discharge) the voltage slowly drops. This can be seen in flashlights when they go dim with use or with motorized devices such as toys and electric toothbrushes when they slow down. Existing hybrid (power source and electronic) batteries have a fixed voltage output and when the internal power goes flat, the battery output simply turns off. This is not always desirable. For example, a user may find it undesirable if he/she is using a flashlight that is fully bright but then all of a sudden it turns off without warning.

The battery of this form of the present invention can monitor the internal power source and when it approaches the end of the discharge (i.e. it is almost flat), the battery voltage will be reduced to indicate to the user that it requires a recharge.

The battery of this form of the present invention can reduce the output voltage regardless of the output current. This means that if the output current is high and if the battery output is reduced, a further reduction is still applied. An example of a possible voltage drop for an AA battery according to the present invention is as per below.

TABLE 3 Power source % Output Voltage drop used (vDC) 85 0.05 86 0.06 87 0.07 88 0.08 89 0.09 90 0.1 91 0.15 92 0.2 93 0.25 94 0.3 95 0.35 96 0.4 97 0.45 98 0.5 99 Output reduced to zero

An example of a circuit that will do this will now be described.

Turning now to the block diagram of FIG. 15, the voltage of the internal cell (1510) (which is same as internal cell (114) of FIGS. 1 and 2) is sensed by the voltage sensor (1520) and this information (the internal cell voltage) is fed to the programmable controller (1530), which is same as the microcontroller (U5) of FIG. 4 (i). If the voltage of the internal cell (1510) has dropped to a pre-determined level that is pre-programmed into the microcontroller (U5), the microcontroller (U5) will lower the output of the Synchronous Buck Regulator (1560) which will provide a lower battery output voltage.

If used with an output current sense/output current sensor (1540) that lowers the Battery output (1550) voltage when under load, the voltage drop programmed for the low internal cell (1510) could be added to the voltage drop programmed as part of the “Intelligent Output”.

Although, FIG. 15 shows use of the output current sensor (1540), that is optional.

The circuit of FIG. 4(g) is an example of the voltage sensor (an Internal Cell Voltage Sensor). The “VCELL” signal connects to the internal cell (1510) and the “V OUT ADC” signal connects to the microcontroller (U5).

The internal power source or the internal cell (1510) voltage level is sensed via resistors (R17 and R20) and this voltage is fed to the microcontroller (U5) in the same way as described above in the Intelligent Battery Output section.

The circuit for the Synchronous Buck Regulator (1560) here is the same circuit as the circuit of FIG. 8 that also appears in FIG. 4(a).

Turning back to FIG. 8, the “V CELL” signal is connected to the internal cell. The “PWM HI”, SHNT REG EN″ and “PWM LOW” signals all connect to the microcontroller (U5). P1 is the Battery Output. The “V1V55” signal is connected to a fixed 1.55V DC reference. The “VOUT” signal is connected to the battery output terminals.

The circuit of FIG. 4(a) will more effectively reduce the output voltage while the battery is under load and the Synchronous Buck Regulator (1560) circuit is being used rather than the LDO regulator (U15). To enable a voltage drop with a low current drain, the LDO regulator (U15) can be replaced with a variable LDO regulator rather than a fixed output regulator that is shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 4(a).

The programming of the microcontroller (U5) would lower the output voltage as it regulates the output using a synchronous buck regulator (1560).

The voltage is dropped (regulated) by turning the operational amplifier (U3B) off and the microcontroller (U5) would control the voltage via operational amplifier (U1), N Channel MOSFET (Q1), P Channel MOSFET (Q2) and inductor (L1).

The output voltage is the input voltage times the duty cycle and hence lowering the duty cycle allows the reduction of the output voltage. Programming of the microcontroller controls the duty cycle.

V_Out=V_in*Duty

Duty=Q1 (On Time)/Q1 (Off Time)+Q1 (On Time))

e.g. V_In=3.5V, On time=420 ns, Off time=580 ns

Duty=420e−9/420e−9+580e−9)=0.42

V_Out=3.5*0.42=1.47 V

The internal cell voltage can also be measured using other type of comparators such as a flash convertor or multi comparators (see FIG. 11) or Dual Slope ADC (see FIG. 12).

The above explained feature(s) of Voltage drop when the power source approaches the end of discharge may equally be applied to the battery (100) that uses the voltage regulation circuit (110) as described in the first embodiment of the invention.

Battery Level Indication

This is another feature provided by the second embodiment of the voltage regulation circuit (110).

The battery (100) of the present invention can include on a battery surface any form of indicators that is adapted to indicate or show the charge or power level of the battery. A voltage level indicator such as a voltage level meter showing the user how much power is left in the battery may be used.

With regular batteries (Alkaline 1.5V disposable, Lithium 1.5V primary and NiMH 1.2 v rechargeable) as they go flat the voltage slowly drops. The battery user can measure the voltage with a multi-meter to see how much power if left in the battery. Some disposable batteries have voltage level indicator on the side of the battery. Existing rechargeable batteries however do not have any voltage level indicator.

Existing Hybrid (power source and electronic) batteries do not have any voltage indicators and the output is always 1.5 V regardless of the power left in the power source, i.e. internal cell (114).

If this internal cell (114) is Li-ion, an example if the battery voltage to measure is as follows:

Fully charged=over 4V 25% discharged=3.9V 50% discharged=3.8V 75% discharged=3.7V Flat=3V or lower

The internal cell (114) voltage can be measured by various methods. One way through the circuit of FIG. 4(g). The voltage of the internal cell (114) such as a Li-ion cell is directly measured via resistors (R17 and R20) and fed to microcontroller (U5) where the level of power left can be calculated by the programming of the microcontroller (U5).

In order to indicate the internal cell (114) voltage, a thermochromic ink covered conductive strip can be installed on the surface if the battery (100) under a clear film or clear section of the label and when one or both ends are pressed, a circuit is completed and the voltage applied to each end of the conductive film. The thermochromic ink would change colour as it indicates the temperature of the conductive film that would be proportional to the current flowing through the film. A single thermochromic ink or multiple inks could be used.

The battery level indicator can also serve as an input to a latch circuit for selecting between the operating modes of the voltage regulation circuit. This embodiment in shown in FIG. 22 and discussed further later in this document.

By using a current limit circuit that is programmed based on the voltage measured of the internal cell (114), a significant current range would be achieved thereby making the indication more accurate.

For example, Fully charged=over 4V=50 mA 25% discharged=3.9V=40 mA 50% discharged=3.8V=30 mA 75% discharged=3.7V=20 mA Flat=3V or lower=0 mA

An example of a current limit circuit is shown in FIG. 16.

Constant current circuit-current=50 mA. The load is driven with a constant current.

Other ways of measuring include using comparators such as a single or multi slope comparators or a flash convertor.

The level of power left in the internal cell (114) can be shown using various methods. Another way is to use small LED's built in to the battery case that are programmed by the microcontroller (U5) to show the voltage level. The LED's could be ultra-low current and remain on at all times, alternatively the LEDs could be switched on periodically or they could be activated on a section of the battery to complete a circuit. This could be done using a conductive film under the battery label.

An example of a circuit to show voltage level is shown in FIG. 17.

The above explained feature(s) of Battery level indication may equally be applied to the battery (100) that uses the voltage regulation circuit (110) as described in the first embodiment of the invention.

Although the embodiments for the intelligent battery output and the voltage drop when the power source approaches the end of discharge are described in relation to a rechargeable battery, it would be clear to a person skilled in the art that these voltage regulation circuits may equally be used to control the voltage output in a non-rechargeable battery. Similarly, the battery level indication may also be used for a non-rechargeable battery.

Comparison with Other Batteries

Table 4 below shows how the battery of the present invention compares with previously known batteries when applied in different products:

TABLE 4 Present invention using a Product Alkaline Lithium NiMH Li-Ion cell Bluetooth Satis- Excellent Satis- Excellent speaker factory factory Torch Poor Excellent Satis- Excellent (incandescent) factory Torch (LED) Poor Excellent Satis- Excellent factory Remote Poor Excellent Satis- Excellent control car factory Walkie talkie Poor Excellent Satis- Excellent factory Wii game Satis- Excellent Satis- Excellent controller factory factory TV remote Excellent Excellent Satis- Good control factory Wall clock Excellent Excellent Satis- Good factory Wireless Satis- Good Satis- Excellent mouse/ factory factory keyboard Camera Poor Poor to Satis- Excellent flash unit Good factory Stored 3 Excellent Excellent Good Excellent months Stored 6 Excellent Excellent Good Excellent months Stored 12 Excellent Excellent Good/ Good months Satis- factory

FIG. 18 is a graph showing actual data for several types of AA batteries when tested in a digital compact camera. The results in the graph are from tests carried out with 2×AA batteries in a digital compact camera until the camera would no longer take photos with the flash turned on.

The dark section of the bar graph shows the number of photos with the flash that were taken prior to the low battery being displayed. When the low battery level was reached, the camera went into a power saving mode and the display turned off between photos when the flash was recharging. The recharge time was also longer. The lighter section of the bar graph shows the number of photos taken when the low battery level was on.

The battery of the present invention (referred to as ‘BOOST FP’) was ready to take photos quickly for all photos. BOOST FP tested to be long lasting, fast flash recharge time and capable of taking more photos between recharges than any other rechargeable battery.

FIG. 19 is the graph showing data for several types of AAA batteries when tested in a CREE LED flashlight. Specifically, the results in the graph are from tests carried out with 3×AAA batteries in a CREE LED flashlight.

The brightness was measured by a Lux meter and the battery of the present invention (referred to as ‘BOOST FP’) brightness was taken as the 100% baseline. Subsequent readings were taken as a percentage of this baseline.

The left side of the graph shows the brightness when first turned on. As time progressed, the brightness of the flashlight reduced while the batteries slowly started discharging (or ‘got flatter’).

The other batteries dropped their output very quickly resulting in a much dimmer flashlight output after a very short time (e.g. within a few minutes, such as 1-15, or 2-10 minutes). The graph of FIG. 19 shows the relative brightness overtime for a CREE LED flashlight with AAA batteries, clearly showing that no other battery tested provided full brightness as long as the BOOST FP.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing expected results for several types of batteries when used over time to recharge external camera flash with continuous use. The lower the line in the graph, the faster the camera charges the flash. The battery of the present invention is referred to a ‘Revolt Pro’ in that graph. As it can be seen from FIG. 20, with use of the battery of the present invention, it is no longer necessary for the user to wait longer and longer for their camera flash to recharge and the user's camera flash will recharge at the same fast rate until the battery is flat.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a circuit for boosting the output voltage and an electronic switch for reducing the quiescent current draw. It will now be explained in further detail.

The circuit of FIG. 21 comprises a voltage regulation device comprised of the controller and voltage boost (2120), at least one inductor (2130), at least one transistor (2150) and at least one sensor (2140). It is also appreciated that the voltage regulation device may comprise a switch (not shown), this embodiment is further illustrated in FIG. 22. However it should be considered that the controller and voltage boost (2120) block also comprises the switch in this embodiment.

The internal cell (2110) comprises the power source, such as a lithium cell, and it may also comprise other components such as the current sensor described in FIGS. 3 and 4. The battery output (2160) comprises the terminals of the battery, and may also comprise an output current sensor as described in FIGS. 3 and 4

The internal cell/power source (2110) as shown in FIG. 21 is operatively connected to a controller and a voltage boost (2120). The controller is configured to measure the internal cell (2110) voltage and battery output (2160) voltage via the voltage sensor (2140). If the internal cell voltage is within a pre-determined range of acceptable output voltage (for example 1.3-1.5V) the PFET (2150) is turned on and current is passed through the inductor (2130) and the PFET (2150) to the battery output (2160).

If the internal cell (2110) voltage is less than the desired battery output (2160) voltage, the controller (2120) activates an internal NFET or similar (not shown) and operates in a voltage boost mode, with the voltage sensor (2140) providing feedback as to the battery output (2160) voltage.

Suitable voltage boost circuits will be well known to those skilled in the art. A short explanation and circuit diagram can be found in the explanation of FIG. 23 below.

One configuration of the voltage sensor (2140) is as shown in FIG. 4 (g), whereby the voltage is divided by a pair resistors (R17, R20) and passed directly to the micro-controller for comparison with internally programmed thresholds.

In a preferred embodiment, the controller and voltage boost circuit (2120) comprises at least one switch as previously described. Preferably the switch is an ultra-low quiescent current comparator (not shown) with a high impedance voltage divider (not shown) from the internal cell (2110). The comparator compares the internal cell voltage with a voltage reference (such as 1.3V) and provides signal to the controller and voltage boost block (2120).

The voltage reference can be generated by any low current reference methods known in the art.

If the signal from the comparator indicates that the cell voltage is within an acceptable range the controller and voltage boost circuit can be powered down (except for the comparator). This powered down state is referred to as the low-power operation mode throughout this document. In this low-power operation mode the gate of the PFET (2150) is held low ensuring that it remains in a conducting state. Similarly the gate of the internal NFET (not shown) is also held low to ensure it does not turn on.

If the internal cell voltage drops below the voltage threshold (such as 1.3V) the ultra-low quiescent current comparator switches the controller and voltage boost circuit (2120) into its operating mode and voltage regulation commences.

It is also a feature of the present technology for the voltage sensor (2140) to pass a signal to the controller and voltage boost block (2120) to indicate the connection of an external power source. This signal may also transition the controller and voltage boost block (2120) into its active mode.

The configuration shown in the block diagram of FIG. 21 may be adjusted to accommodate the buck regulation and internal cell charging features disclosed in previous figures.

For example, by moving the PFET (2150) and NFET (not shown) connections to the internal cell (2110) side of the inductor (2130) such that the inductor is connected to the battery output (2160) a synchronous buck regulator for reducing the internal cell (2110) voltage to a predetermined battery output voltage (2160) is created.

Similarly, additional components and control lines can be added to support both buck and boost regulation in one or both directions.

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary block diagram wherein the switch is comprised of a press button (2230) and an electronic latch (2220).

The switch in the embodiment of FIG. 22 may comprise a battery voltage level indicator as well known in the art to comprise the press button (2230). The use of a battery voltage level indicator should be understood to be non-limiting and that the switch could comprise a physical button, a magnetic switch, a removable insulating tab or any other suitable means for selectively providing an input to the electronic latch (2220) or the controller and voltage boost block (2240).

In use the press button (2230) delivers a signal to the electronic latch (2220) when a user provides an input. The electronic latch (2220) latches the controller and voltage boost block (2240) into the appropriate operating mode so that it remains in that state until the user provides another input via the press button (2230).

In an aspect of this technology the controller and voltage boost circuit (2240) is latched into its low-power operating mode at manufacture. This ensures that the capacity of the battery is not negatively impacted by the current draw of the controller and voltage boost circuit (2240) prior to receipt by the customer.

The customer can manually activate the controller and voltage boost circuit (2240) by providing an input via the press button (2230). The electronic latch (2220) will then latch the controller and voltage boost (2240) into the relevant operating mode.

This embodiment also provides the ability to send subsequent inputs to the electronic latch (2220) via the press button (2230) to return to the low-power operating mode once more.

The electronic latch (2220) is an optional element that may not be required in the event of using a one-time activatable switch such as a removable insulating tab.

The FET and inductor block (2250) includes transistors and inductors configured to provide at least one or more of the following features:

-   -   i. a battery output (2270) voltage which is less than the         internal cell voltage (2210),     -   ii. a battery output (2270) voltage which is higher than the         internal cell voltage (2210),     -   iii. a battery output (2270) voltage which is substantially         similar to the internal cell voltage (2210),     -   iv. an internal cell (2210) voltage which is greater than the         battery output (2270) (for charging the internal cell), or     -   v. a battery output (2210) which is operatively disconnected         from the internal cell (2210) in order to protect the internal         cell.

The voltage sensor (2260) is substantially equivalent to the voltage sensor (2140) shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary circuit diagram of a synchronous boost regulator. This is one potential circuit configuration which could be used in the block diagrams of FIG. 21 (partially in place of 2120, 2130 and 2150), or FIG. 22 (in place of 2250). It will be understood that other circuit configurations are also possible.

V1 represents the internal cell (114) of previous figures, V2 illustrates the pulse width modulated control signal from the controller and voltage boost blocks (2120, 2240) of FIGS. 21 and 22. The output capacitors (C1, C3) may be components directly in the boost regulation circuit or representative of energy storage located in a device connected to the batteries terminals.

When the NFET (M1) conducts, it provides a low impedance path for the current in the inductor (L1) to increase. When the NFET (M1) ceases conduction the energy stored as a magnetic field inside the inductor (L1) attempts to keep the current flowing and ohm's law (V=IR) shows that, if the battery output impedance is higher than the conduction path provided by the NFET (M1) during the conduction phase, then the voltage will increase to account for the increase in resistance.

The NFET (M1) is controlled by a pulse width modulated signal, wherein the duty cycle of the control signal determines the output voltage.

The PFET (M2) is designed to substantially prevent any energy stored in the output capacitance (or potentially any storage elements of a connected device) from discharging back through the internal NFET (M1) during the conduction phase of the NFET. As such the PFET (M2) is turned off during the NFET's on cycle and on during the NFET's off cycle, this is known as a sync-boost converter, and has efficiency improvements over the standard boost topology which uses a diode in place of the PFET (M2).

While the gate of the PFET (M2) is shown as disconnected in FIG. 23, this in practice may be connected to the controller (2120, 2240) to perform the functions described above.

It is appreciated that, while a standard boost topology would work in this design, the preferred embodiment shown using a PFET (M2) may offer improvements in efficiency for both operating modes (low-power and active) in some circumstances.

Advantages of the Invention

Some of the advantages or benefits of the inventions are as follows:

-   -   The battery may be rechargeable which means it can be used again         and again so is cost effective after multiple uses.     -   Environmentally friendly as compared to all previously known non         rechargeable/single use batteries as the battery according to         some embodiments of the present invention is rechargeable and         re-useable.     -   Excellent performance in high current devices.     -   Suitable for all types of devices.     -   Intelligent regulated output resulting in the best possible         performance.     -   Intelligent electronics to sense the type of battery charger or         voltage supplied by a battery charger (such as from existing         battery chargers, for example: NiMH/NICD/Li-ion chargers) and to         adjust the voltage to charge the internal cell or rechargeable         power source such as a Li-ion cell.     -   The battery provides continuous high power until it is flat.     -   In one option, no special battery charger is required and the         battery may be charged with all commercially available         NiMH/NiCD/Li-ion battery chargers. For example, the advanced         electronics inside the battery of the present invention boost         the voltage supplied by a NiMH battery charger to provide a         regulated safe charge for a Li-ion cell.

Other advantages include:

-   -   The power source such as a Li-ion cell inside the battery of the         present invention can be recharged up to 1000 times without a         significant loss of capacity. This means that if you recharge         the battery every week, it will still have 80% of the original         capacity after about 20 years. It will then last many more         years, just with a lower power capacity.     -   A 2100 mAh AA NiMH battery is rated at 2520 mWh (1.2 v×2100 mAh)         whereas the AA version of the battery of the present invention         is rated at 2900 mWh. Therefore, the present battery of the         present invention contains more power than a 2100 mAh NiMH         battery. The useable capacity will depend on minimum voltage         required by the user's electronic device. It will also vary         slightly depending on the discharge rate. If the user's         electronic device/product requires at least 1.1V to operate, the         battery of the present invention is equivalent to around a 2400         mAh NiMH battery. If the user's electronics require at least         1.15V to operate, the battery of the present invention is         equivalent to around a 2600 mAH to 2700 mAH NiMH battery.     -   A reduced quiescent current draw due to the switch device,         described above, this results in an improved shelf-life for the         battery in the present invention.     -   The electronics inside the battery of the present invention are         configured to have a minimal power draw even when in the active         mode. The quiescent current drain of the electronics is a         relatively tiny 30 μA which drains less power than the         self-discharge rate of a Li-ion cell.

30 μA=0.03 mA

12 months=365 days×24 hrs/day=8760 hours

mAh drain over one year=8760×0.03=262.8 mAh

-   -   The self-discharge for power source such as a Li-ion cell over         one year is about 20%. So the total power left after 12 months         will still be over 1000 mAh for the AA battery of the present         invention.     -   When in the low-power operation mode the quiescent current draw         of the battery is reduced even further. In the case of the         physical switch the current draw could be reduced to be the         normal self-discharge of the cells in the battery.     -   The power source in the battery of the present invention does         not run fully flat. When it gets to a safe low voltage the         electronics in the battery turns off the output, thereby         protecting the power source such as the Li-ion cell.

Variations

It will of course be realized that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described.

Even though the invention has been described with reference to AA/AAA batteries the battery of the present invention can be of any type or size such as but not limited to AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, lantern batteries etc.

The voltage regulation circuits as described hereinbefore with reference to the drawings are only examples of several possible voltage regulation circuits that a person skilled in the art would consider to be used for the same or substantially similar purpose.

Similarly, several components of the voltage regulation circuits as described hereinbefore with reference to the drawings need not necessarily resemble the arrangement as depicted in the drawings and each of these components may be replaced with any suitable equivalent component(s) that a person skilled would envisage as being suitable for providing the same or substantially similar purpose.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that several other alternative form of electronic controller(s) such as programmed microprocessor; Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); Programmable Logic Array (PLA); Field Programming Gate Array (FPGA); or any other form of electronic or a logic circuit or a programmable logic device suitable for the purpose may be implemented in the voltage regulation circuit. Such electronic controller(s) may be operatively connected to one or more of the other electronic components of the voltage regulation device to send and receive input and output signals and thereby to sense and regulate the output voltage in the programmed variable level.

The internal power source need not be limited to Li-ion cell and may be a power source that is suitable for the purpose. The basic electronic design would remain the same with different power source and changes can be made to suit the particular power source output voltage and charging requirements. Although Li-ion is preferable as a power source, other possible power sources that can be used are NiMH or NiCD. Emerging high technology rechargeable cells can also be used such as thin film lithium.

It is to be understood that the batteries of the present invention can be charged using existing chargers and do not require special chargers. However, special chargers can be developed for the batteries of the present invention.

It will also be understood that where a product, method or process as herein described or claimed and that is sold incomplete, as individual components, or as “kit of parts”, that such exploitation will fall within the ambit of the invention.

The voltage regulation circuit, while shown in the embodiments as a single circuit, could comprise separate independent circuits located in different areas of the battery. For instance, the current sensing electronics may reside between the power source and the negative terminal of the battery.

In addition there are potentially space optimizations to be achieved by separating the electronics where appropriate and positioning them in different regions of the battery enclosure.

Where appropriate the current sense resistors may be replaced by a wire of a known resistance, and include a separate kelvin sense connection for measuring the voltage drop across the wire.

It will also be understood that the inclusion of a micro-controller in the present embodiments is to be considered non-limiting. In some embodiments of the invention the micro-controller may be replaced by discrete electronic circuits to perform a substantially similar task as the micro-controller described in this specification.

In FIG. 4 there is a dedicated 3V3 regulator disclosed for powering the micro-controller. This should be seen as optional as is the selection of the micro-controller. It will be understood that there are a number of micro-controllers available on the market which are able to operate directly from a single cell battery (such as li-ion) without regulation.

Similarly a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the selection of regulator topologies is non-limiting. It is appreciated that alternative configurations of components can result in a substantially similar result. For example the synchronous buck regulator shown in FIG. 4 could replace the N-FET with a diode and still function as an effective buck regulator.

For the purposes of the description above, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, left“, vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, “side”, “front”, “rear” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawings/figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. 

1. A battery, comprising: a positive terminal; a negative terminal; a power source; and a voltage regulation device that is operatively connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal and the power source, wherein the battery has an output voltage measured between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, wherein the voltage regulation device comprises a switch configured to select between operating modes of the voltage regulation device, further wherein the voltage regulation device is configured to regulate the output voltage to a programmed variable level.
 2. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch is operable to switch between a low-power operating mode of the voltage regulation device and an active operating mode of the voltage regulation device.
 3. The battery as claimed in claim 2, wherein the switch is configured to monitor a voltage of the power source and transition the voltage regulation device between the low-power operating mode and the active operating mode when the power source voltage either: i) drops below a first pre-determined threshold voltage; or ii) rises above a second pre-determined threshold. 4-8. (canceled)
 9. The battery as claimed in claim 2, wherein the switch is configured to detect a connection to or disconnection from a battery charger and, on detection, transition the voltage regulation device between the low-power operating mode and the active operating mode.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage regulation device further comprises a disconnection mode, wherein the battery terminals are operatively disconnected from the power source in the disconnection mode.
 12. The battery as claimed in claim 11, wherein the switch is configured to transition the voltage regulation device between the low-power or active operating modes when a voltage of the power source either: i) drops below a third predetermined threshold; or ii) rises above a fourth predetermined threshold. 13-16. (canceled)
 17. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a physical activation means, the physical activation means comprising one or more of a button, a magnetic switch, or a removable insulating tab. 18-21. (canceled)
 22. The battery as claimed in claim 2, wherein in the low-power operating mode, the voltage regulation device does not regulate the output voltage.
 23. The battery as claimed in claim 2, wherein in the active operating mode, the voltage regulation device regulates the output voltage at a programmed variable level.
 24. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage regulation device comprises at least one first regulator configured to regulate the output voltage to a programmed variable level which is less than a voltage of the power source.
 25. (canceled)
 26. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage regulation device comprises at least one regulator configured to regulate the output voltage to a programmed variable level which is greater than a voltage of the power source. 27-29. (canceled)
 30. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage regulation device further comprises at least one regulator configured to regulate a voltage provided by a battery charger to a voltage for charging the internal power source.
 31. (canceled)
 32. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery further comprises a controller that is operatively connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal, the power source and to one or more components of the voltage regulation device, the controller being configured to perform one or more of the following: i) provide a lower output voltage if the power source voltage has dropped to a pre-determined level; ii) regulate the output voltage according to the current flow of the power source and/or the programmed variable level; or iii) monitor the current and/or voltage level of the power source in order to provide an indication when the battery approaches the end of a discharge.
 33. (canceled)
 34. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage regulation device comprises at least one sensor that is adapted to determine a connection to a battery charger, and the at least one sensor is adapted to perform one or more of the following: i) determine the connection to the battery charger by detecting a voltage from the battery charger; ii) determine the connection to the battery charger by detecting a current from the battery charger; iii) provide voltage information to the controller in order to regulate the detected voltage of the battery charger for charging the power source; or iv) provide current information to the controller in order to regulate the detected voltage of the battery charger for charging the power source.
 35. A battery as claimed in claim 32, wherein the voltage regulation device comprises a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor configured to determine voltage level information of the power source and/or the current flow of the power source and feed the voltage level/current flow information to the controller.
 36. A battery as claimed in claim 32, wherein the voltage regulation device comprises at least one current sensor that is operatively connected to the controller, the at least one current sensor is adapted to detect two or more of the following: i) a current being drained by a user's product/device during use; ii) a current being used in the power source during discharge; iii) a current being drained from the power source; and iv) a current being used to recharge the power source, if the power source is rechargeable.
 37. (canceled)
 38. A battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery comprises a housing that is adapted to house at least the power source and the voltage regulation device. 39-40. (canceled)
 41. A voltage regulation device for regulating at least an output voltage of a battery at a programmed variable level, the voltage regulation device comprising: a switch configured to select between operating modes of the voltage regulation device; and a programmable controller adapted to receive at least one input signal from a current sensing circuit and regulate the output voltage according to the output current at a programmed variable level.
 42. (canceled)
 43. A battery, comprising: a positive terminal; a negative terminal; a power source; and a voltage regulation device that is operatively connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal and the power source, wherein the battery has an output voltage measured between the positive terminal and the negative terminal, wherein the voltage regulation device comprises components configured to regulate the output voltage to a voltage which is greater than a voltage of the power source. 44-51. (canceled)
 52. A battery comprising: a positive terminal; a negative terminal; a power source; and a voltage regulation device operatively connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal and the power source, wherein the voltage regulation device is adapted to provide a battery output voltage, wherein the battery output voltage is less than or substantially equal to a power source voltage. 